Dept Q books in order: How to read Jussi Adler-Olsen stories

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Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Dept Q series is a key part of today’s popular Scandinavian crime novels. It combines complex, suspenseful mysteries with a dry wit and memorable characters.

The novels center around Detective Carl Mørck, who leads a special unit in Copenhagen that investigates unsolved, long-forgotten cases, often revealing secrets people want to keep hidden.

Now that Netflix has created a series based on these stories – setting it in Edinburgh and introducing them to a wider audience – it’s the perfect time to read the original books in their original publication order.

Just so you know, these books have different titles in the UK and the US. We’ve used the UK titles throughout this document.

So here’s your definitive guide to reading the Dept Q series from start to finish.

Dept Q books in order:

    1. Mercy (2011) – also known as The Keeper of Lost Causes in the US
    2. Disgrace (2012) – also known as The Absent One in the US
    3. Redemption (2013) – also known as A Conspiracy of Faith in the US
    4. Guilt (2013) – also known as The Purity of Vengeance in the US
    5. Buried (2014) – also known as The Marco Effect in the US
    6. The Hanging Girl (2015)
    7. The Scarred Woman (2017)
    8. Victim 2117 (2020)
    9. The Shadow Murders (2022)
    10. Locked In (2024)

Mercy (2011)

I recently started watching this series, and it immediately grabbed me. It opens by introducing us to Detective Carl Mørck, a really interesting character who’s been moved to this new department, Department Q, after a pretty rough experience – a shooting, actually. He’s basically put in charge of cold cases, the ones nobody else wants to touch. The very first one he takes on is the disappearance of a politician named Merete Lynggaard, a case that everyone else has given up on as hopeless. It’s a great setup – a damaged detective tackling an impossible mystery.

This debut novel introduces the series’ trademark combination of insightful character studies, dark wit, and the challenging ethical dilemmas faced by Danish police officers. It also begins to develop the compelling partnership between Mørck and his future key colleague, Assad.

Disgrace (2012)

When a decades-old, brutal murder case resurfaces – a brother and sister killed twenty years ago – Department Q is assigned to review it, even though someone has already confessed. Detective Mørck isn’t convinced by the official explanation and quickly finds himself investigating a world of wealth and influence. This case further strengthens the bond between Mørck and Assad, while also exposing failures within the system and how past actions can have lasting consequences.

Redemption (2013)

When a disturbing message written in blood washes up on Mørck’s desk inside a bottle, Department Q begins a terrifying investigation into the disappearances of several children and a sinister serial killer. This case, titled ‘Redemption,’ is a pivotal moment in the series, increasing the danger and introducing Rose to the team. Rose brings a compelling personal story and a quick wit, enriching the team’s dynamic. It’s a gripping and fast-paced story.

Guilt (2013)

In ‘Guilt,’ Mørck and his team investigate a cold case—a disappearance from decades ago—that quickly unravels into a series of similar vanishings. The investigation exposes a disturbing history of abuse and revenge, and forces Mørck to face his own personal demons and the failings of the system. This story particularly focuses on the themes of revenge, justice, and the lasting damage caused by ignored suffering.

Buried (2014)

In ‘Buried,’ Detective Carl Mørck and Department Q investigate the disappearance of a government worker who vanished after a trip to Africa. They initially believe he’s dead, but the truth may be much closer to home. The investigation is complicated by Marco, a resourceful teenage runaway who becomes a key figure in the case. The novel explores issues of corruption, the abuse of power, and the strength of marginalized individuals, presenting the team with one of their toughest challenges so far.

The Hanging Girl (2015)

When a call comes in from the Danish island of Bornholm, Mørck and his team at Department Q reopen a decades-old cold case: the hanging of a teenage girl. What initially seems like a local tragedy quickly unravels, connecting to a secretive cult and a string of recent murders. This case, known as ‘The Hanging Girl,’ is particularly chilling due to its haunting atmosphere and the intense personal and professional challenges it presents to the team.

The Scarred Woman (2017)

Department Q is facing closure, and Carl Mørck’s team is desperate to prove their worth. When a recent murder in Copenhagen mirrors a cold case, and other young women are attacked, they’re thrown into a race against time. This investigation also forces them to confront Rose’s difficult history, making it a particularly intense and personal case for the team.

Victim 2117 (2020)

In the eighth book of the series, Victim 2117, the Department Q team tackles a case connected to the refugee crisis. The story begins with the death of an unidentified refugee at sea, which leads to a complex international investigation. This case is particularly impactful, as it unexpectedly ties into Assad’s past, making it both a politically charged and deeply personal story. The novel expands the scope of the series and offers new insights into the main characters.

The Shadow Murders (2022)

When a woman seemingly takes her own life on her 60th birthday, Mørck and his team begin investigating a complex case that reaches back thirty years. They soon discover a pattern of suspicious deaths, leading them to believe they’re hunting a clever killer who has long avoided capture. This is the second-to-last book in the series, and the stakes are higher than ever as old secrets endanger the team.

Locked In (2024)

The series ends with “Locked In,” where Carl Mørck is wrongly accused of crimes and thrown in prison with a price on his head. His team at Department Q is falling apart, and they struggle to trust each other as they desperately try to prove his innocence and uncover the real culprit. This final book brings together storylines from throughout the series while delivering a thrilling, suspenseful conclusion to the story of this unforgettable crime-solving team.

How to get started

To fully enjoy the Dept Q series, it’s best to read the books in the order they were published. Each story continues from the previous one, and you’ll get a richer experience by following the characters’ development alongside the mysteries.

Whether you’re new to the story thanks to the Netflix show or a longtime fan, you’ll find Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Dept Q series engaging and thrilling. Start reading now!

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Authors

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is TopMob’s Deputy Digital Editor, where she leads new projects and commercial efforts. Before joining TopMob, she worked as a Deputy TV Editor for a national magazine. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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2026-03-03 16:15